The four-story school building, spanning an area of 25,000 square meters, is designed to cater to 1750 pupils, kindergarten and boarding facilities to comfortably accommodate 60 students for overnight stays.
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Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2025
International School in Dubai
Educational Architecture (Concept)
Firm
IND (IND STUDIO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN L.L.C.)
Architect/Designer
IND
Design Team
IND
Location
Dubai
Country
United Arab Emirates
Photographer/Copyright
©IND
Embracing the idea of openness, the school embodies a fundamentally different approach from the conventional corridor-type layout. The school design encourages students to engage in communication, foster relationships, and build connections, creating an inspiring and attractive atmosphere where children’s boundless imagination blossoms and emotional intelligence develops, perfectly aligning with the needs of modern education.
The entire concept of the school encourages children to come together in communities, draw inspiration from their surroundings, generate new ideas, and derive the utmost benefit from the educational experience—all while fostering their innate curiosity, imagination, and vitality.
Functional zoning caters to the needs of various age groups, including both preschoolers and students from junior to senior classes. The school features “cores” with public function, such as atriums, amphitheaters, and workshops, while classrooms are spanning along the building’s perimeter.
We have also incorporated various play – and sportsgrounds for students of different age groups, including outdoor football field and a swimming pool, located in a separate wing of the building.
Every zone within the school serves multiple functions, offering students the freedom to explore their passions and collaborate with peers. The amphitheater, atrium, and sports hall can transform into studios or venues for various events, including celebrations, award ceremonies, and theatrical performances. They are also designed to facilitate smaller group collaborations, communication, and fun on a daily basis.
Another example of children-oriented approach is the introduction of a big central ramp for seamless transition between all levels and floors, promoting safe physical activity and acknowledging children’s natural inclination to run at the same time.
Climate adaptation was one of the key design priorities of our project given the Dubai climate specifics. Parametric sun-considerating facade and self-shaded courtyards, created by the shape of the building ensure comfortable and energy-efficient environments.